A fundraiser has been launched to help the Gore District Volunteer Fire Department replace its 1991 Freightliner pumper tanker that was involved in a crash Sept. 10, 2017.

GORE, N.S. — Knowing that insurance likely won't cover the full cost of replacing their damaged fire truck, volunteer firefighters in Gore are turning to the community in hopes of drumming up some financial support.

Kady Forand, the lone junior member of the Gore District Volunteer Fire Department, launched a Go Fund Me campaign earlier this week hoping to help the department replace their damaged truck.

“Our community has always been really good with fundraisers and they've always been really supportive of the fire department,” said Forand in a phone interview Sept. 22. “We are hoping that they'll open their hearts up to us like they usually do.”

The truck in question, a 1991 Freightliner pumper tanker, crashed Sept. 10 around 4 a.m. while Gore fire chief Jeff Ettinger was en route to a call happening in Kennetcook. The accident occurred on Highway 202 in Gore, approximately 25 kilometres away from the scene. Markitia Ettinger told the Journal following the accident that her husband “had a guardian angel on his shoulder that night” as he only sustained minor injuries.

While the Go Fund Me page states that the members are thankful he wasn't seriously hurt, the truck is a write-off.

“Traumatic as it was, we were so glad that he was able to walk away. We can't replace him,” the overview of of the fundraiser reads. “It was a good truck that did its job to keep the driver safe. But sadly, the truck itself was not so lucky.”

As its an older vehicle, Forand said they believe insurance will only cover about half of the costs associated with replacing it. That's why they're looking to raise at least $50,000.

“That's why we won't get a ton of insurance money out of it — because of its age,” said Forand. “We're hoping to get a newer truck but it's still going to be used.”

The fire department, which has been serving the Gore region since 1969, currently has two trucks in service. They have between 12-15 active members, she said.

Forand, who is the daughter of Gore's deputy fire chief Doug Cox, said while the online fundraiser is underway, they are also brainstorming other ways they could raise money locally. People are also invited to drop off donations at the station.

“I think if we raise $50,000, that would just blow me away,” she said.